EDUCATION CLASSES FOR PARENTS OF SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS
The Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA and the City of La Cañada are hosting parent and education classes for parents of children with special needs on Thursdays through June 14 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the CCY patio room.

This is a support resource for parents of children with special needs. Topics include neurobiological and psychological disorders along with issues that arise from parenting any child with special needs. Additional future topics will be scheduled.

To RSVP or for more information call (818) 790-0123 ext. 231.

Child watch available at no charge to YMCA facility members, $5 for non-members.

The CCY is located at 1930 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada.

CELEBRATING ORGAN DONATION
Today, Thursday, April 26 from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Glendale Adventist Medical Center will be joining more than 20 Southern California hospitals and organizations promoting organ donation by flying or displaying Donate Life flags in honor of organ, eye and tissue donors.

By flying the Donate Life flag, GAMC will not only be raising public awareness about donation but also honoring all of past organ, eye and tissue donors who have saved or enhanced countless of lives.

The “Flags Across America” campaign is part of a national effort to bolster organ and tissue donor registries in April, which is National Donate Life Month.

Those wishing to make the commitment to donate may register online at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or its Spanish-language counterpart, www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org.

The hospital is located at 1509 Wilson Terrace, Glendale.

FAMILY NETWORKING CONVENTION
Attention all ladies with babies, parents, grandparents or expecting couples who want to raise happy and successful children: You are invited to the exciting mothers (and others) Family Networking Convention on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a free community event organized to connect mothers (and others) where they can network, share information and make new friends.

It will also provide opportunities to sample products and/or collect information from company sponsors attending (including restaurants, natural products, bakeries, schools, nutritionists and many more).

Free parenting classes will be offered at the convention, too.

Children’s activities will include arts & crafts, Gymboree classes and guided tours of a Pasadena Fire Department fire engine and more.

RSVP to Athena Severi at (818) 984-1001.

35 South Raymond Ave. Pasadena

LUNCH BENEFITS CLINIC
Leadership Burbank Class of 2012 is holding a fundraiser lunch on Sunday, April 29 to benefit the Kids’ Community Dental Clinic. The clinic will benefit from purchases made anytime between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Joe’s Falafel. This fundraiser for the team’s community project benefits the Kids’ Community Dental Clinic, a Burbank-based non-profit organization providing low-cost dental health care to over 6,000 children per year.

For more information on the project, visit http://www.bringing-smiles.org/.

Joe’s Falafel is located at 3535 Cahuenga Blvd. in Los Angeles.

RALLY, PICNIC HOSTED BY TEAPAC
TeaPAC is holding a picnic and rally in La Cañada Flintridge at Memorial Park on Sunday, April 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This rally is part of continuing efforts to organize Los Angeles County and ‘Get-Out-The-Vote’ for the upcoming California primary and November elections. Candidates from Los Angeles County who are running for local, state and federal office will be in attendance, along with experts in the 2012 ballot initiatives to educate voters on policy, precinct organizing and walking neighborhoods to meet voters in person.

TeaPAC’s picnic and rally will be a good ol’ fashioned community event that will include food trucks, music, and games for the kids as well as guest speakers and precinct leaders from a plethora of neighborhoods from the San Gabriel Valley to the West Side. Bring blankets and chairs for seating on the grass.

Questions can be directed to (626) 792-1772 or www.TeaPAC.net, or email HQ@teapac.net.

Memorial Park, 1201 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada
‘TENNESSEE IN SUMMER’ AT SIDEWALK STUDIO
Sal Romeo ETC and SST Productions will present Joe Besecker’s award-winning play, “Tennessee in the Summer,” based on the life of the famed playwright Tennessee Williams at Sidewalk Studio Theatre in Burbank on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through May 20.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased by calling (800) 838-3006 or online at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, call (818) 558-5702 or visit online at www.sidewalkstudiotheatre.info.

Sidewalk Studio Theatre, 4150 Riverside Dr., Burbank
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF PASADENA HOSTS EVENING
OF WINE, CHOCOLATE
The Junior League of Pasadena, Inc. announced its annual fundraiser, “CocoaVino” an enchanted evening of wine, chocolate and dinner. The black tie dinner event will take place at a historic private club in Pasadena on Saturday, April 28.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour with wine tasting and live music along with a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind unique prizes and packages, followed by a seated dinner. After dinner, guests will be invited to sample some of the most delectable chocolate desserts in town. The CocoaVino gala is the primary source of funding for the League’s community programs and all proceeds will benefit the Pasadena Junior League’s community efforts.

To learn more about the Junior League’s programs in the community and to purchase tickets for this event, visit its website at www.myjlp.com or call (626) 796-0244.

COFFEE GALLERY CALENDARS EVENTS
Coffee Gallery in Altadena hosts a variety of events every week.

Tuesdays are “Comedy Open Mic” from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. All comics get to do a five-minute set. Performers range from those performing for the first time to seasoned professionals. Hosted by Scott Berger.

Thursday is “Artisan Alley” from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Artisan Alley includes two featured musical acts, two musical open mics (open to anyone in the community), the works of a featured artist in the back room (art changes every two weeks), and a live DJ. Hosted by The Definition.

Friday is “Music Open Mic” from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Music open mic allows anyone in the community to come on stage and sing a song or play a tune. The sign-up sheet stays open throughout the night and everyone gets to perform twice. Rotating hosts.

Saturday is “Potlikker Showcase” from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. that offers an eclectic mix of musical performers, poets, spoken word readings, Americana music and a live DJ. Hosted by DJ Beatgozon.

Finally, Sundays are “Music Open Mic” from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Music open mic allows anyone in the community to come on stage and sing a song or play a tune. The sign-up sheet stays open throughout the night and everyone gets to perform twice. Hosted by King.

For more information, call (626) 398.7917 or visit http://www.funkylittlecoffeehouse.com.

Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake, Altadena
MEDITATION CLASSES OFFERED
Kadampa Meditation Center California is a non-profit organization that offers meditation classes to help people find inner peace and happiness. Currently, Kadampa Meditation Center California is offering an eight week course in La Cañada and Glendale titled “Freedom from Stress, Frustration & Anger.”

In April and May, the mediation class titled “Happiness from a Different Source” takes place on Fridays and Sundays.

On Friday, April 27 and May 4, 11, 18, 25 the class takes place from noon to 1 p.m. at Crescenta-Cañada YMCA, 1930 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada. The cost is $5.

On Sunday, April 29 and May 6, 13, 20, 27 classes are from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Griffith Manor Park Building, 1551 Flower St. in Glendale. The cost is $10.

Call (323) 223-0610 or visit MeditateInLA.org.

BOOKSALE AT LIBRARY
The Friends of La Crescenta Library will be holding its April book sale in the meeting room at the La Crescenta Library. Good homes are sought for over 4,000 pre-read books at next to nothing prices. A “members only” presale (may join at the door) takes place on Friday, April 27 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the public is invited on Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find a great deal and support the library at the same time.

La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta

LCVB HOSTS VOLUNTEER GARDENING DAY
La Cañada Valley Beautiful is hosting a volunteer gardening day on Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the La Cañada Library.

Participants will learn about California native maintenance and there will be live demonstrations and hands-on help.

Featured are California native, Mediterranean, Australian and Chilean gardens

Bring clippers, gloves, a sunhat and also bring friends and questions about sustainable gardening.

For more information, call (818) 790-1964.

La Cañada Library is located at 4545 Oakwood Ave.